The first Sunday of August brings another chance to browse Larchill’s popular car boot market — set inside one of Kildare’s most distinctive 18th-century Arcadian heritage gardens, a short drive from Celbridge. Second-hand gems, plants, homemade produce and crafts, with the gardens included in the €2 entry price. Children go free, no booking required.

One of Kildare’s standout summer events returns to Naas Racecourse for a two-day celebration of local food and drink. Expect live chef demonstrations, an artisan producer market, craft drinks, tastings and a full live music programme including Cliona Hagan and the Newbridge Gospel Choir. Early bird tickets from €10 per adult; children under 10 go free.

A rare opportunity to step inside the beautifully restored Gate House and Round House at the entrance to Castletown Estate — carefully revived by the Irish Landmark Trust and usually closed to the public. Free self-guided tours on Sunday 16 August for Heritage Week. Spaces are strictly limited so booking in advance is strongly recommended.

A full day of local history at Lucan Library presented by the Society of Old Lucan: The Finds Table — an archaeological showcase (10am–11:30am); Hiding in Plain Sight — a talk on Lucan’s medieval Esker (12pm–1:15pm); and Joe Byrne on the Lucan Steam & Electric Tram 1881–1940 (2pm–3:30pm). All ages welcome, all events free.

Step inside one of Celbridge’s most important Georgian buildings during Heritage Week — Kildrought House, an early 18th-century merchant’s residence in the heart of the village, rarely open to the public. Expert-guided tours across the full Heritage Week explore the building’s restoration history and conservation techniques.

Celbridge Athletic Club’s popular summer 5km road race returns on Thursday 20 August. The course is known as one of the flattest and fastest in the area — the course record has been broken twice in three years. Open to all levels. First 300 entries receive a free race T-shirt.

Running every Sunday through August in 200 acres of riverside parkland between Lucan and Leixlip. Artisan food, great coffee and crafts right beside the playground and BMX track — easy to combine with a walk along the Liffey.

Ireland’s finest Palladian mansion is open every day through August for guided tours, with the 540-acre parklands and the Wonderful Barn folly free to explore at any time. Pack a picnic and make an afternoon of it before the summer ends.